There’s no doubt that India is one of the hottest destinations in the travel industry right now. Thanks to increased media attention in the form of inspiring travel shows, Joanna Lumley’s India for example, more people are realising the sheer beauty the country possesses.

Our Brahmaputra river cruises allow you to sail through the Assam region in the north of India. Along the way, you will meet local communities, go looking for exotic wildlife and enjoy traditional experiences that define life in this part of the world.

As well as the river cruise, though, we have a range of land tours that can be used to extend your holiday. Let’s take a look at how you can visit other places in India and further afield, before climbing aboard MV Mahabaahu for your cruise.

Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is arguably India’s most famous tour. Taking you to three of the country’s most popular cities, it allows you to see some of the major highlights in a relatively short space of time. Flying into Delhi, you will have a city tour which includes India’s largest mosque – Jama Masjid, before transferring to Agra. Here, you will get the chance to visit the iconic Taj Mahal and take a moment to admire one of the true wonders of the world.

The next day, the tour moves on to Jaipur, nicknamed the Pink City. The sights here include the impressive Amber Fort, the City Palace and Hawa Mahal. The latter was built so female members of the royal family could see events taking place on the streets but could not be seen themselves. After Jaipur, you will fly to Guwahati to start your river cruise.

Bhutan

Known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the mystical kingdom of Bhutan remains a secret to most people. However, this tour gives you the chance to explore its fascinating sights and meet some of the happiest people in the world. Arriving in Kolkata first, you will fly on to Paro before also visiting Thimphu, the capital, and Punakha.

Included excursions will take you to some of the beautiful monasteries and temples in these locations. You will also learn about Bhutan’s history, traditions and way of life at the National Library, Thangka Painting School and the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. An additional stop in Wangdue phodrang will give you the chance to feel the atmosphere at a local market. After returning to Paro, you will then travel on to Jorhat to start your cruise.

Sikkim

Sikkim is a state in the north-east of India, close to Assam, which borders China, Nepal and Bhutan. After two days in Kolkata, you will fly to Bagdogra in West Bengal and then transfer to Sikkim. The state is heavily influenced by its surroundings, most notably Tibet, something that will be evident when you visit the capital of Gangtok, especially at Rumtek Monastery (the former seat of the head of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism).

On day five, you will move on to the town of Darjeeling, famous for its tea. With the dramatic Himalayas as your backdrop, you will ride the famous ‘toy train’ through the mountains to the Ghoom Monastery which hosts an enshrined image of the Maitreya Buddha. Finally, before you continue on to Guwahati to start your river cruise, there is time to visit the Himalayan Zoological Park, home to animals who live their lives at these altitudes.

All of these cruise and land tours include accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, entrance to selected attractions and the fantastic services found on board MV Mahabaahu. For more information or to book your Indian river cruise, call our team now.